Adjustable height bed side guard device

ABSTRACT

The present invention is an adjustable height bed side guard device and method to reduce the risk of a child from falling out of bed while sleeping and to help wean or transition a child away from needing a bed side guard. The bed side guard height can be reduced or raised in set intervals, providing a simple, step-by-step process to help a child become accustomed to and confident about being in a bed without a bed rail. The device comprises at least one elongated bolster with two or more connected layers that are assembled on top of a conventional mattress and secured in operative position along one side of the mattress by a conventional mattress pad or fitted bed sheet covering the mattress and the bolster and tucked under the mattress. Multiple devices may be used to provide further security on all sides of a bed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to beds having a safety deviceand more specifically it relates to bed side guard devices to helpreduce the risk of falling out of bed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It can be appreciated that bed side guards have been in use for manyyears to prevent a child from falling out of bed. When children aremoved from a conventional crib to a conventional bed, there is a highrisk of falling out of bed as the child may accidentally roll or leanover the mattress edge while sleeping. This is because the child is usedto sleeping in a crib or other bed with safety barriers that preventfalling from bed and they have not been weaned off the need for abarrier.

Bed side guards in the current art create a physical safety barrier atthe edge of a mattress in various ways.

This includes rigid bed side guards that are either strapped to orphysically interconnected with the bed and/or mattress to remain inoperable position.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,913,333 utilized a rigid vertical safetybarrier connected to perpendicular leg rails, which are meant to be“sandwiched between the mattress and the box spring” and therebysecuring the bed side guard in operable condition directly at themattress edge, but not on top of the mattress.

In addition, bed side guards exist that create a safety barrier andremain in operable position when positioned and held in place between afitted bed sheet and mattress along the mattress edge. This type of bedside guard is not only simple to install but also has the added benefitof reducing the risk of trapping a child's head between the bed sideguard and mattress.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,872,228 utilized a cylindrically shapedbolster to form a safety barrier positioned on one side of aconventional bed and retained in place by being covered with aconventional fitted bed sheet.

While existing bed side guard devices may be suitable for the particularpurpose to which they address, reducing the risk of falling from bedwhile sleeping, the main problem with them is that they have only oneoperable safety barrier height setting (from top of mattress to top ofthe bed side guard safety barrier height). At some point in time the bedside guard will undoubtedly be removed and the child may not be quiteready to transition from using a bed side guard to not using one withoutfear of falling out of bed. So while bed side guards in the current arthelp prevent falling out of bed each time they are used, they do notoffer a step-by-step weaning process to slowly withdraw the bed sideguard over time and help the child consciously and subconsciously learnwhere the edge of the bed is and thereby more safely and confidentlytransition from using a bed side guard to not using one. The ability toadjust safety barrier height would offer a novel way to wean a child offthe need for a bed side guard.

In these respects, the adjustable height bed side guard device accordingto the present invention substantially departs from the conventionalconcepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides anapparatus primarily developed for the purpose of providing a simple andsafe bed side guard device that reduces the risk of falling out of bedas well as helping wean a child off the need for a bed side guard.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types ofbed side guards now present in the prior art, the present inventionprovides a new adjustable height bed side guard device. The ability toadjust the safety barrier height of the bed side guard provides a simpleand safe device and means of weaning a child from needing a bed sideguard and helping them become confident and accustomed to being in a bedwithout a bed side guard.

The present invention has many of the advantages of bed side guards inthe current art as well as novel features that result in a new type ofbed side guard, and indeed a new purpose for a bed side guard, which arenot anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any ofthe prior bed side guards, either alone or in any combination thereof.

To attain this, the present invention is a new type of bed side guarddevice, with adjustable safety barrier height, intended for placementbetween a mattress and fitted bed sheet, comprising multipleinterlocking or self-adhering components or “Layers” (each component canbe considered as a “layer” of the device), which acts as a physicalbarrier along the edge of a mattress. By removing one or more Layers thesafety barrier height may be reduced; by adding Layers height may beincreased. The device will ideally be made of material such aspolyurethane foam to allow it to be placed between a fitted bed sheetand mattress or mattress pad where it will remain in operable positiondue to the non-slip nature of the material as well as the tensionbetween the fitted bed sheet and mattress or mattress pad surface andtherefore not require a strap or other means of securing it to the bed.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more importantfeatures of the invention in order that the detailed description thereofmay be better understood, and in order that the present contribution tothe art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of theinvention that will be described hereinafter.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of theinvention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the details of construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not beregarded as limiting.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide an adjustableheight bed side guard device comprising an elongated bolster or safetybarrier that comprises one or more layers to form an effective safetybarrier to reduce the risk of a child falling out of bed while sleepingas well as wean the child off the bed side guard that will overcome theshortcomings of the prior art devices. This device will ideally beplaced and held in operable position along the long edge of a mattresswhile placed between the mattress or mattress pad and the fitted bedsheet, which is fitted over the mattress's entire top surface and tuckedunder the mattress edges to secure it in place.

Another object is to provide an adjustable height bed side guard deviceoffering multiple safety barrier height levels.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustableheight bed side guard device for which the safety barrier height isquickly and easily increased or decreased.

Another object is to provide an adjustable height bed side guard devicethat does not need a secondary means of securing itself to the bed ormattress such as a strap or physical feature that tucks under themattress.

Another object is to provide an adjustable height bed side guard devicethat can be manufactured with minimal materials and components. Forexample, by forming the layers of the bolster from polyurethane foamengineered with interlocking features, only one material and minimalsteps would be required to manufacture the entire device.

A representative embodiment of the present invention may provide anadjustable height bed side guard device with 2 or more interlocking orself-adhering layers that combine to form one bed side guard.

Other embodiments and advantages of the present invention will becomeobvious to the reader and it is intended that these embodiments andadvantages are within the scope of the present invention.

To the accomplishment of the above and description of alternateembodiments, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated inthe accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however,that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made inthe specific construction illustrated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other representative embodiments, features and attendant advantages ofthe present invention may become fully appreciated as the same becomesbetter understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference characters designate the same orsimilar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention, with threelayers: the Top Layer 10, Middle Layer 11, and Bottom Layer 12, from theperspective of the inner side that faces the child sleeping in the bedand forms the vertical safety barrier.

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of one end of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the present invention, from theperspective of the inner side that faces the child sleeping in the bedand forms the vertical safety barrier.

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the present invention, from theperspective of the outer side, which faces towards the edge of themattress.

FIG. 5 is perspective view of the Middle Layer component of the presentinvention, to clearly demonstrate the male interconnection feature 16and female interconnection feature 17, which run the length of thecomponent.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the present invention placed under afitted bed sheet 20 installed on a conventional bed mattress.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a double-sided male-male interconnectorpiece within the alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar referencecharacters denote similar elements throughout the several views, theattached figures illustrate an adjustable height bed side guard deviceintended for placement between a mattress and fitted bed sheetcomprising a bolster created from multiple interlocking or self-adheringcomponents or “layers” (each component can be considered as a “layer” ofthe bolster), which act as a physical barrier at or near the edge of amattress. When interlocked together they form a safety barrier that wheninstalled properly can help prevent a child from falling out of bed. Byremoving layers the barrier height may be reduced; by adding layersheight may be increased. The bed side guard will ideally be made frommaterial such as polyurethane foam to allow it to be placed between afitted bed sheet and a mattress where it will remain in operableposition and therefore not require a strap or other means of securing itto the bed.

Each layer of the bed side guard is comprised ideally of firm but notrigid, washable, non-allergenic and flame retardant material, such astreated polyurethane foam, but could be of many different child-safematerials that are able to hold the proper form. Each layer is ideallyof the same length and width, but height may vary. Length of each layerwould ideally be four feet or more to match or exceed the height of achild. Additionally, each layer would ideally be about one and a half totwo inches in height and six inches deep (front to back) to form abolster with sufficient height and thickness to be effective as a bedside guard as well as have enough depth and surface area contact withthe mattress and fitted bed sheet to remain operable position and avoidslipping.

As shown in FIG. 1, the Top Layer 10 interconnects with Middle Layer 11,which interconnects with the Bottom Layer 12 to form a variable heightbolster, which acts as a bed side guard when placed between a mattressor mattress pad and a fitted bed sheet. The long, inner side of the bedside guard is intended to face the child sleeping in the bed and form aflat, vertical edge to act as a safety barrier.

To create a more attractive look and be less noticeable under a fittedbed sheet, the top side of the Top Layer 10 should resemble the top sideof an airplane wing: The top side of the Top Layer 10 would ideally haveone long edge (the inner edge that faces toward the child) with slightrounding for a smoother and less obvious appearance under the fitted bedsheet, like the leading edge of a wing. The outer edge of the top sideof the Top Layer 10 (which faces away from the child and toward themattress edge) should be more streamlined, like the trailing edge of awing, with a downward angled convex slope.

The bottom side of the Top Layer 10 could have a female interlockingfeature 15 to interconnect to a male interlocking feature 16 of anotherlayer (e.g. male to female connection to Middle Layer 11 or Bottom Layer12).

The top and bottom sides of Middle Layer 11 would have male/femaleinterlocking features to interconnect with the Top 10 and Bottom 12Layers.

The top of Bottom Layer 12 would have a male interlocking feature tointerconnect with Top 10 or Middle 11 Layers. The bottom side of BottomLayer 12 would be flat, with no interlocking feature.

For illustrative purposes three layers have been described as forming afunctioning device. However, the device could comprise only two layers,or more than three Layers, necessitating more or fewer middle layers.Further, the child's bed is assumed to be either tightly against a wall(forming a barrier) with the device placed on the non-wall side, or ifnot against a wall, two devices could be used to form barriers, onealong either long side of the mattress. Finally, an additional number ofdevices could be employed to effectively surround the child.

Normal use would start with all Layers interconnected, as shown in FIG.1, forming a full height of perhaps but not limited to 4.5 to 6 inches(as shown in FIG. 6 this device would ideally be placed under the fittedbed sheet 20 and above the mattress or mattress pad). The child wouldbegin use with the device at full height and use it for a period oftime, perhaps 1 month or more, as they gain confidence in the bed. Thisnot only reduces the risk of falling out of bed but also helps thembecome acclimated and familiar, both consciously and subconsciously,with where the edge of the bed is located. After a period of time,perhaps 1 month or more, the Middle Layer 11 could be disconnected andremoved from the Top Layer 10 and Bottom Layer 12 and the Top 10 andBottom 12 Layers could be manually interconnected to form a bolster witha lower height and placed back between the mattress or mattress pad andfitted bed sheet. The device is now reduced in height and thereforeoffers a lower safety barrier, but still aids in preventing the childfalling out of bed. This continues to help them become acclimated andfamiliar with where the edge of the bed is located. After an additionalperiod of time, perhaps 1 month or more, the Bottom Layer 12 could bedisconnected from the Top Layer 10 to form a bolster with lowest height,and only the Top Layer 10 would remain. It would be placed back betweenthe mattress or mattress pad and fitted bed sheet. The device is nowreduced to its “minimal height” and therefore the barrier is lower, butstill aids in preventing the child falling out of bed. This continues tohelp them become acclimated and familiar with where the edge of the bedis located. After a final period of time, perhaps 1 month or more, theTop Layer 10 could be removed, and therefore no Layers would remain andthe bed side guard device would be completely removed from the bed atthis point. Ideally by this time the child has become effectively weanedoff the bed side guard, is acclimated and familiar with where the edgeof the bed is located and has gained confidence to sleep in the bedwithout a bed side guard.

The bed side guard device or its components could be constructed ofmyriad materials that are able to take the proper shape of the bolsterand have appropriate firmness to perform the task. The device could alsobe covered in myriad materials known in the arts to facilitate orimprove connection to other layers or provide naturaladhesion/non-slipping with fitted bed sheet, mattress pad or mattress.Materials used could also provide greater aesthetics, fire retardationor other safety features.

Alternate variations of connecting or interlocking technique could beused rather than those described herein. For example, a single andseparate interlocking piece 31 such as shown in FIG. 7, could be used toconnect a Top Layer 32 and Bottom Layer 33.

Alternate methods to keep the Layers together could be used by variousmeans of adhesion (e.g. Velcro, non-permanent sticking various glues,etc.), which would avoid use of interlocking male/female structuralfeatures.

In addition, the ends of the device could comprise features tointerconnect or adhere to the ends of additional devices to create ageometrically shaped enclosure and effectively surround a child.

Alternative variations of the device could comprise a single bolster,perhaps 4.5 to 6 inches thick, with perforated lateral layers that couldbe peeled away to reduce the height of the safety barrier.

Instead of creating the bolster Layers from material that naturallyadheres to mattress and bed sheet materials, such as polyurethane foam,the entire device could be secured to the mattress, above or below thefitted bed sheet, using conventional means known in the arts, such asstraps.

Instead of using multiple interlocking layers to achieve variousadjustable heights alternate variations of the device could beconstructed differently, such as using an inflatable bed side guard withmultiple air chambers (all chambers inflated for max height, fewer forlower height) or perhaps one air chamber that self adjusts in heightwhen inflated with more or less air.

The described device is an adjustable bed side guard comprised of 3interlocking pieces, which allow the user to set the height of the bedside guard. Ideally, to use the invention, it would be used on astandard bed, with mattress, mattress pad, and fitted bed sheet. Itwould be placed between the mattress pad (which is above the mattressbut below the sheet) and fitted bed sheet. As it is ideally constructedof material that naturally adheres to common fabrics used in bed sheetor mattress construction and so is slip resistant, it will stay inoperable position without the use of straps or other means. To set thebed side guard at its highest level, all 3 pieces would be interlockedor fitted together. To reduce the height, one or more layers could beremoved. To re-raise the height, one or more layers could be added.

As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of thepresent invention, the same should be apparent from the abovedescription. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the mannerof usage and operation will be provided.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized thatthe optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, toinclude variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and mannerof operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obviousto one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to thoseillustrated in the drawings and described in the specification areintended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

I claim:
 1. A bed side guard device to reduce the risk of falling out ofbed that provides two or more operable safety barrier height settingswhen measured from mattress surface to the top of the safety barrier. 2.A device according to claim 1 comprised of two or more Layers that whenconnected together form a functioning bolster of various thickness thatoperates as said bed side guard.
 3. A device according to claim 1 thatis placed in operable position between a fitted bed sheet and a mattressor mattress pad, which does not need a secondary means of securingitself to the bed or mattress to remain in operable position.
 4. Adevice according to claim 1 comprised of two or more Layers withinterconnection or surface adhesion features that enable secureconnection, easy separation and secure reconnection to other Layers inorder to form a bolster that operates as said bed side guard.
 5. Adevice according to claim 1 comprised entirely of a single material. 6.A device according to claim 1 comprised of foam material.
 7. A deviceaccording to claim 1 comprised of inflatable material.
 8. A deviceaccording to claim 1 with a top side outer edge that utilizes a convexdownward sloping curve to minimize appearance under a fitted bed sheet.